Celebrating Ostara healthy bOdies NutritioN

Transcription

Raising a Superior child
Nutrition
10
Tips
for Divorced Parents
Celebrating Ostara
IS
O
H
Getting Started
RA
Healthy bodies
IN
W
G
TO Pa A
A M rt S U
I
f
G R ew A K I - N P E R
EE thin E Y ut IO
Ea N gs OU riti R
sy CL yo R on CH
& EA u c C
IL
D
Ch N an AR
I
ea N do LA
p G
ST
when we see light conquering over darkness
Homefront Issue No 2
Spring - 2006
Content
Page 6
Page 15
Page 8
Page 18
Page 23
Page 41
Featured
FIRE SAFETY
How to make a grocery list
Natural Home
10
CIRCUMCISION
9
13
Laundry Care & Tips
Babies and Heat Rashes
17
19
25
35
24
Healthy bodies - Getting Started
27
Skin and it’s connection to food
32
The Basics of Sunblock 33
TEETHING & TOOTH CARE FOR YOUR BABY
HOMESCHOOLING “FACT FAMILIES”
DOGGIE TREATS FROM SCRATCH
22
Online Homeschooling Resources
21
10 TIPS FOR DIVORCED PARENTS
CELEBRATING OSTARA
7
The Great Toothpaste Swindle
RAISING A SUPERIOR CHILD NUTRITION
AVOIDING A C-SECTION
5
Trimming Babies Nails 5
14
GREEN CLEANING
4
How to use a humidifier safely
HOW TO MAKE YOUR CAR LAST
LEGAL GUARDIANS
4
38
Ask Homefront
34
How to Make Your Home Feel Fresh
40
THE WICKED STEPPARENT SYNDROME
36
Leave it or heave it?39
29
37
Page 3
Spring - 2006
Editorial
HomeFront will
Make
a Difference
W
elcome to the 2nd Issue of HomeFront Magazine!
WOW! Who knew that our premiere issue was going to make such an impression? The amount of emails and support in general has been phenomenal,
and we have all been working tremendously hard to make this second issue
as great as our first.
Sadly, we won’t be featuring “Homeschooling Curriculums, Part 2” in this issue. The author,
Glory had some urgent matters that needed to be taken care of, so her column will be continued in the summer issue of HF!
With so many wonderful writers in HomeFront family, we have no doubt that we will be able
to write about ANY subject that affects our families. We have recently added two new writers
to our staff, and by combining their experiences with our own, we will have even more information to share with our readers.
Our HF writers are mothers, educators, nurses, childcare providers, legal professionals and
much more; with this great combination of knowledge we will become a force to be reckoned
with!
We hope that we can all come together and educate and learn together, to grow side by side
as Women, and that we have given the Aryan Family a place to call Home.
Enjoy the second issue of HomeFront!
Page 4
How to make a grocery list
by Vicky
1. List what you only really
need; I know I always
buy stuff that is on sale
even if I don�t really
need it, and now I have
a cupboard full of unused
items!
2. List what you’d like to
buy (within reason).
3. Check the sales, but make sure you are going to use
the items.
4. Check your coupons; use them only if they will truly
save on groceries.
5. Add sales items and coupon specials if you will use
the product; I save a lot this way on items like dish
soap and paper towels.
6. AArrange your list in the order of the grocery store
displays, as it saves you time. You should also mark off
each item you put in your cart.
7. Estimate the actual cost of the groceries you want;
this way you won�t be in for any surprises at the register.
8. Cut back on something if your total estimate is too
high.
Tips:
1. Choose a quiet time to work on your list.
2. Keep a list on your fridge and add items to the list
when you notice that you are running out!
3. Don’t write it while you’re hungry. When I write my
list hungry, I have nothing but junk food on it.
4. Leave yourself a few dollars for unadvertised sales
or extras.
Spring - 2006
NATURAL HOME
Old Family Medicines That Really
Work!
This came up in a conversation with a friend, so I
thought that I would share it with those of you who
have young kids. I have used all of these recipes
and they all work. -Jan
Colic and Restless Children
Can’t get the little one to sleep? Have a colicky
baby? Here’s an easy recipe to calm even the worst
case of colic and get even the most hyper toddler to
sleep; it also works better than expensive Mylicon.
Boil an onion. Strain off the liquid and put it in the
fridge. It will keep for about 2 weeks. Depending
on the age and weight of your child, start with one
teaspoon of the “onion tea” in a bottle or cup of
juice. If the child is older, you may need more, but
you cannot overdose on this tea. This is a tried and
true cure for the colicky baby and the restless child.
Onion tea is a natural sedative and calming agent.
It is an old French family recipe and has been used
successfully for over 100 years.
I have used it on all 7 kids, even up to the age of
5....you know, that time when they won’t take a nap!
Teething
Rub some paprika on her gums instead of using
the more expensive Orajel. It works very quickly for
teething pain.
Cradle Cap and Dry Skin
Normally, baby skin doesn’t need lotion, but if it
does occasionally, use pure olive oil instead also
use it for your babies scalp / cradle cap. It’s not
especially frugal cost wise, but used sparingly and
only when it’s needed, one small
bottle should last longer than
your baby is a baby, which
is more than you can
say for baby
lotion.
Page 5
Spring - 2006
How to use a
humidifier safely
P
utting a humidifier in your baby's room is
practically a rite of passage for parents.
When your baby has a cold, one of the best
things you can do to keep her comfortable is to
make sure the air she breathes is moist by using a humidifier.Moist air keeps mucus more liquid, which prevents stuffiness, making it easier for
baby to breathe. The question is, which is better:
cool mist or warm steam?
Both are equally effective at putting moisture into
the air. But these days most pediatricians recommend the cool-mist option for the simple reason
that there is no danger of burns from accidentally
spilled hot water or from the steam. There is one
drawback to the cool-mist machines, though; since
the water isn't boiled, the machines are an ideal
breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Since
breathing either could irritate your baby's lungs -particularly worrisome for children with asthma and
other chronic respiratory problems -- you must be
diligent about following the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. That means scrubbing the machine daily with soap and water, vinegar, hydrogen
peroxide or bleach (whatever the manufacturer of
your machine suggests).
If possible, fill the machine with water that has a
low mineral content, either distilled or filtered water (e.g., tap water that you've run through a filter,
such as a Brita or Pur), since the minerals can build
up on the machine which then disperses them into
the air, potentially irritating the lungs of sensitive
children. Place the humidifier about three feet from
your baby's crib, but not so close that she could
reach out and touch it or knock it over.
If you live in a part of the country where the air is
very dry during winter, you might consider running
a humidifier at night when your baby isn't sick to
keep nasal passages from becoming dry. Just be
sure that her room doesn't get so humid that water condenses on the windows, pictures, or walls.
When a room is too humid, bacteria and mold thrive
on furniture, walls, carpet, drapes and bedding.
The content on these pages is provided as general
information only and should not be substituted for
the advice of your physician.
Source: Your Newborn Today
Trimming
Babies Nails
By Stacey1488
T
he easiest way for Mom or Dad to trim their
baby’s nails may be to just peel the ends off
with your fingers. The nails are so soft that
the surplus will easily come away when you use
your fingers. Or you can buy a pair of baby scissors or nail clippers with specially rounded ends.
Cutting your baby�s nails may be easier if both
Mom and Dad are involved; one of you can hold
the baby and keep him from wriggling too much
while the other does the job. You may also want to
try it while you�re feeding or he is sleeping so that
he’ll be calmer. My sister tends to do it while her
son is sleeping. Press the finger pad away from the
nail to avoid nicking the skin, and keep a firm hold
on your child’s hand as you cut or clip.
Some parents also nibble the ends of their babies’
nails to keep them from getting long and scratchy
(this is how my mother did ours). As your tongue
is more sensitive than scissors could ever be, you
can nibble off the short surplus nail without hurting
your baby. Also, babies rarely object to putting their
hands in your mouth!
Page 6
Spring - 2006
10 HomeFront
Baby Care Tips
Use a heater to warm the bathroom before you
bathe your baby.
Don't heat bottles in the microwave because the
milk could get too hot and burn your baby.
Enroll your babysitter in the Red Cross Babysitter
Training Course, which includes first-aid and CPR.
If your baby starts choking, turn her face down and
give four blows between her shoulder blades.
Avoid baby toys with small pieces that could break
off and pose a choking hazard.
If your newborn wets six diapers per day, you can
be sure you are breastfeeding them enough.
Use washcloths to grip a slippery baby when you
hand baby over to another person during bath time.
Movement may ease colic, so place baby in a
swing.
Do not give your infant any small, hard foods, such
as nuts, popcorn or raisins.
If your baby keeps you up at night and you're feeling moody, try a nap. Even a half an hour nap will
relieve stress.
Page 7
Laundry Care & Tips
Spring - 2006
equal parts ammonia and water and add a few Tablespoons of liquid dish soap overnight. Then, wash
the shirts as usual.
Spaghetti Stains: Wet the fabric and then sprinkle
with powdered dish detergent. Scrub gently with a
toothbrush. Rinse the item and launder normally.
Soiled Shirt Collars: Take a small paintbrush and
brush hair shampoo into soiled shirt collars before
laundering. Shampoo is made to dissolve body oils.
B
leeding of Colours: Your red shirt got mixed in
with other clothes and ruined them? First Rule!
Don�t Dry Them. Wash them all again with
regular detergent and color-safe bleach. To prevent
bleeding in the first place, wash in cold water and add
a cup of salt.
Zippers: To make a zipper slide up and down more
smoothly, rub a bar of soap over the teeth.
Babies and
Heat Rashes
Blood on Clothes: Pour hydrogen peroxide on blood
and rinse with cold water. If any blood remains, repeat
the process.
Burn / Scorch Marks: If the fabric is washable, brush it
gently with a soft brush or dry sponge to remove loose
carbon particles. Then, wash the fabric with regular detergent and colour-safe bleach. This will permanently
weaken the fabric even more than the scorch has, but
the scorch may no longer be noticeable.
Burnt Stuff on Iron: Rub iron with aluminum foil to remove burnt on starch, etc.
Fabric Softener: I have been using an old dishtowel
as a fabric softener sheet. I pour a couple of capfuls of
Downey on it and throw it in the dryer. It has taken over
a year to go thru a bottle of (small) Downey fabric softener. I add more Downey about every 15 loads or just
when I notice a little static. It helps to use a towel that
is distinct from the other laundry. I use a pink towel,
which is a one of a kind in our house.
Grease Stains: Sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch or baby powder over the grease stain, allow it to
sit for a couple of minutes, and then brush the powder
off. The powder absorbs the grease and it brushes off
with the powder.
Lint: Keep lint off dark clothes by not washing them
with towels, washcloths, dishrags, etc. This is where
a majority of the lint comes from and it's just easier to
eliminate them
Perspiration Stains/Odor: Soak the stained shirt in
By Maria
H
eat rashes occur in babies when the pores
of their sweat glands become blocked. This
generally happens when the weather is hot
or humid. As the infant sweats, little red bumps and,
possibly, tiny blisters form because the blocked
glands cannot clear the sweat.
Alternative Names: Heat rashes and babies; Prickly
heat rash; Red miliaria Information:
To avoid heat rash, keep your baby cool and dry
during warm weather.
Some helpful suggestions:
During the hot season dress your baby in lightweight
soft cotton clothing. Cotton is very absorbent and
keeps moisture away from the baby's skin.
If air conditioning is not available a fan may help by
evaporating moisture and cooling the infant. Place
the fan far enough away that there is only a gentle
breeze drifting over the infant.
Avoid the use of powders, creams, and ointments.
Baby powders don't improve or prevent heat rash.
Creams and ointments tend to keep the skin warmer and block the pores.
Page 8
Spring - 2006
Food Allergies
By Samantha / MommyGooseStep
F
ood allergies and food sensitivities are
unsuspecting culprits that can cause
many types of illness. My son is allergic
to many different foods. While food allergies
and food sensitivities are very similar, I am going to talk about food allergies in children.
Symptoms of food allergies can be very mild
to very severe. Symptoms include: headaches; nausea; ear infections; hives; yeast
infections; eczema (mostly on legs and face);
weight loss; and the worst being anaphylaxis,
or shortness of breath, drop in blood pressure,
loss of consciousness and sometimes death.
Parents to children with food allergies must
be extremely careful in what their child eats. A
child may show signs of an allergy anywhere
from 30 minutes to a few days after ingesting the allergy causing food. No one knows
what causes any type of food allergy. What
has been proven is that if there is genetic
history of allergies (of any type) in the family, your child will most likely have some sort
of allergy, whether food related or repertory.
Children are more likely to develop allergies
over adults, but many food allergies can stay
throughout adulthood while some may turn
into simple sensitivities or intolerances. Although these can be troublesome, they tend
to be less severe and life threatening then actual food allergies.
Common food allergens include but are not
limited to:
Wheat; dairy; peanuts and other tree nuts; legumes (beans); soy; eggs; corn; bananas and
kiwi (related to the latex plant); citrus; tomatoes; stone fruits such as peaches, plums, or
anything with a large pit in the middle. There
are always exceptions to food allergies; I once
read about a lady who was allergic to the proteins in chicken!
Please take note that many people who are
allergic to cows’ milk can safely drink goats’
milk; be aware though, because goats’ milk
contains many of the same proteins that people are allergic to in cows’ milk. Some people
are severely allergic to goats’ milk, so use
caution when trying something new as a sub-
stitute, and always contact a healthcare provider.
Some children can drink soymilk in
place of both the above, but some
children are allergic to soy also and
may have to seek out a good supplier
or rice or oat milk.
search you can find many alternatives with great turnout.
If you suspect your child has a
food allergy, stop introducing new
foods and the food you may suspect and make an appointment
with your pediatrician or an allergy specialist. If your child shows
My family has discovered that we can signs of anaphylaxis, call 911 imuse products made of spelt to substi- mediately!
tute for our son’s wheat allergy. Although spelt is an ancient relative to You can find many items for spewheat, he shows no allergic reaction cial food lifestyles at organic/
and can now enjoy pasta, waffles and health food stores.
tortillas.
Books I have read
Having a family member with food
allergies can be frustrating and wor- Food Allergy Field Guide: A Liferisome but there are a ton of great style Manual for Families By Thebooks and websites that can help resa Willingham.
ease the confusion. With a little re-
Page 9
Spring - 2006
How To Make Your Car Last
By Anne WAU NJ
It is said that a vehicle is one of the largest investments people will make,
second only to their homes. If you’re anything like me and you keep your
cars for years and years, there are a few things you can do to ensure your
car will last you long after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired.
Regular Maintenance . Following the schedule provided by your vehicle’s
manufacturer for ‘severe or heavy duty driving conditions will help keep
the motor running clean and may give you a warning of a potential problem. The engine oil and transmission fluids should be checked regularly
and changed on schedule. Unless you reside in an extremely rural area
and do not experience stop/go traffic or prolonged idling, chances are that
your driving habits meet the manufacturer’s definition of ‘severe or heavy
duty’ conditions. Although synthetic oils may cost more per quart, their
benefits far outweigh the difference in price. Check your Owner’s Manual
for a schedule of how often fluids/filters/belts should be changed.
Oil and Transmission Coolers , Oil and Transmissions coolers do just that
‘ they cool the engine and transmission by lowering the fluid temp. An approximately $200-$250 investment will pay off over the long haul.
Don’t Abuse The Car .When you start your car, there is no need to stomp
on the gas and race the engine. Press the gas pedal gradually and steadily.
In cold weather, it can take up to 15 minutes before the car is properly
warmed and fluids are flowing smoothly. If you have a heavy load or are
pulling a trailer, it is extremely important to take the extra time to allow the
car to warm up. While it,s nice to hop into a warm car on a cold morning, it
is not a good idea to go out, start your car and leave it to idle while you return to the house. Idling does not heat the oil rapidly enough to burn off excess raw fuel and any other contaminants that may impede the oil’s ability
to properly lubricate the motor. At the same time, it is equally as damaging
to allow your car to run hot. If you’re on a long drive on a hot day, keep an
eye on your temperature gauge. If it begins to rise, pull off and take a break.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on anti-freeze and
system flushes. You’re not in a drag race, so there’s no need to stomp on
the gas and race to the next red light. All you’re doing is putting excess
wear and tear on your car.
Finally, if a problem does develop, get it fixed as soon as you can- by someone who actually knows what they’re doing. Just because the guy down
the street wears a ‘Mopar’ shirt, watches NASCAR and changes his own oil,
it does not make him a mechanic.
Page 10
Spring - 2006
Fire Safety
The statistics regarding the deaths of children in home fires are very very grim. More than 1,000 children
age 9 and under die each year that's an average of 2-3 children every day. Most home fires can be prevented and, with proper planning, a fire needn't end in tragedy. To protect your family, practice the following
recommendations from the National Fire Protection Association.
Prevention is the Best Protection
Each year, children who play with matches or lighters start about 100,000 fires. To prevent disaster,
lock matches and lighters in an out-of-reach cabinet
and never leave youngsters unsupervised around
open flames.
In the kitchen
� Don't leave anything unattended: on a flame (on
the stovetop), in a microwave, toaster, or toaster
oven.
� Keep the stovetop clear of ignitable items
such as dishtowels, potholders, and wooden
spoons.
� Keep a large oven mitt and lid
within reach to cover small pan
fires.
� Clean appliances thoroughly
after cooking. Grease buildup ignites easily.
� Teach children to stay three feet
away from the stove when you're
cooking.
� Use only one heat-producing appliance per electrical outlet.
� Make sure electrical cords aren't frayed or worn.
Even if cords are in perfect condition, don't run them
under rugs or behind drapes.
� Keep portable or space heaters at least three feet
away from furniture, curtains, and bedding; turn them
off before you go to sleep and whenever
you leave the house.
� Never place combustibles such as newspapers,
magazines,
or kindling near fireplaces, heaters, or radiators; and never use
these heating devices
to dry clothes.
� Unplug electrical appliances when not in use.
� Pot handles turned in
and out of reach of groping hands.
Keep Throughout the
house:
� If you smoke, don't leave
cigarette butts in the ashtray. Throw them down
the toilet.
� Don't smoke in bed.
When you're sleepy you
may accidentally leave a
smoldering cigarette to ignite bedding.
Continue >
Page 11
Spring - 2006
The
Well-Equipped Home.
Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and escape ladders are essential to a fire safety
plan. A working smoke detector on every level of your home cuts your risk of dying in
a fire nearly in half. For a fire alert home:
� Replace the batteries in each smoke detector once a year.
� Test the batteries in every smoke detector once a month. Batteries are low when a
detector "chirps," and they should be replaced immediately.
� Replace smoke detectors every ten years.
� Place a fire extinguisher on each level of your home. The best models for home use
are rated "2-A: 10-B: C" because they are safe to use on any fire.
� Read the extinguisher's directions, before a fire breaks out, to understand how to
use it. Use it only on your way out the door when you are six to eight feet away from
the flames and within clear reach of an exit.
� Most portable extinguishers only "blast" for about eight to ten seconds, and are
ineffective on large or spreading fires.
� Ask your local fire department how to properly use fire extinguishers. Or, rally a
group of neighbors and tell the manager at your local hardware store that your group
will buy multiple extinguishers if he arranges to have the manufacturer send a representative to give a tutorial.
� Supply all upper level bedrooms with an escape ladder. Show children where the
ladders are kept, how to attach them to the windows, and how to use them. Demonstrate how to back out of the window and go down the ladder feet first. The National
Fire Protection Association doesn't recommend actually climbing down the ladder
during fire drills because of the risk of falling.
Have an Escape Plan
If your family doesn't have a fire escape plan, make one today. Teach your children
that if there's a fire, they need to get out of the home, and stay out until firefighters
say it's okay to go back inside. Children as young as three years old can follow a wellrehearsed plan but adults should be responsible for escorting younger children out of
the home. And be sure to have a back-up strategy in case one parent travels frequently. Here are some guidelines:
� Teach children what a smoke detector sounds like and emphasize that whenever
they hear the alarm they should go outside immediately.
� Make sure that the home's exits are unobstructed by toys and debris.
Page 12
Spring - 2006
� Draw a basic diagram of your home, marking all windows and doors, and plan two
routes out of each room. The first should be the door. The second will probably be a
window if bedrooms are on the second or third floors.
� Practice crawling low during drills in case your home is filled with smoke during a
real fire.
� Check all windows to make sure they open easily. Metal security bars on windows
or doors should have quick-release mechanisms that everyone knows how to operate.
Replace double-key deadbolts with locks that can be opened from the inside without a
key.
� If you live in a high-rise building, always use the stairway marked "Fire Exit" to
practice your escape (and to leave during a real fire).
� Show children how to cover their nose and mouth with a T-shirt or pajama top to
reduce smoke inhalation.
� Explain that before opening a door, it should be felt for heat. If the door is warm,
everyone should exit via the alternate route.
� Coach children to stand by the window and signal for help if they are unable to escape on their own. Remind them never to hide in a closet or under a bed.
� Teach the stop, drop, and roll technique. After escaping from a burning building,
anyone whose clothes are on fire should stop, drop to the ground, and roll over and
over until the flames are out.
� Designate an outdoor meeting place, such as a neighbor's mailbox or tree that is
well away from your home. Tell your children that when they leave the burning building, they should go directly to that spot. Also, stress that they should never go back
into the home to retrieve a forgotten toy or pet.
� Practice the escape plan every six months. At least one drill should occur in the
middle of the night because the majority of home-fire deaths occur between 11 p.m.
and 8 a.m.
� Inform caregivers about the escape route, and encourage grandparents to create
and practice an escape plan that your family can rely on during a visit.
Page 13
Spring - 2006
Legal Guardians
P
By Anne
reparing a will and naming a legal guardian for your children isn’t
something that most people look forward to doing. According to the
attorney who prepared the papers for my family, only one third of
Americans have a will. As unpleasant a task as it may be, it is something
that should be done. We owe it to our precious children to look after them
even after we�re gone.
Deciding who should take responsibility for your children, in case of a
tragedy is sometimes an extremely hard decision to make and can often
lead to arguments. Arguments can erupt between not only yourself and your
spouse, but other family members as well. One sister may take great exception to your choice of another sister for example.
Before naming names, compiling a list of what traits a guardian must
have may help get you off to a good start. Do they have children of their
own? Do they have a good relationship with your children? Are they in
good health? Are they financially capable of handling more children?
Is their relationship strong and steady? Are their children happy? Do
they have the same values you have? Would they want to take on
the responsibility of raising your children? If your children are old
enough to understand the concept of a legal guardian ‘ ask them
who they would chose if given the choice. I wouldn’t advise seeking input from younger children as the subject of losing mom and
dad may upset them greatly.
While you are compiling your list of candidates, keep in mind that it need
not be a family member. Yes, choosing an ‘outsider’ may upset your mother
or sister, but this is about what is in the best interest of your children and
nothing else.
If you are naming a couple as guardians, you also have to take into consideration that they may indeed split
up in the future. So it�s best to take it one step further and decide which one person to name as guardian to
avoid a future custody battle. This is something that many people overlook and don�t take into consideration.
After you have made your choice, the next step is to ask them about it. Don’t be surprised or hold a grudge
if they say no. It�s a huge deal to commit to taking on raising someone else’s children, something a lot of
people never even consider. It’s best to sit down with the couple when the children aren’t present. Give them
time to think it over, this isn’t a decision that should be made hastily.
Then there should be a conversation regarding the finances. Do you feel that appointing a trustee would be
best? Or would you like to name them both guardian and trustee? And which would they prefer? You have
the choice of leaving your kids� inheritance in the care of the guardian, or you could name a bank or investment firm as trustee. In the latter scenario, the trustee would send a predetermined amount to the children�s
guardians each month for their care. Funds would be invested as you have set forth in your will and your
children would inherit the balance of the trust at a certain age, also named in your will.
Choosing a guardian for your children may turn out to be much easier then you think, or it could turn out being
much more difficult. Either way it is an essential part of being a responsible parent.
Page 14
Spring - 2006
Circumcision
By Anne
T
here is a controversy raging in the United States right now over circumcision. ‘To cut or not to cut?’
Is the question on the minds of many expecting parents. Each side of the controversy will cite plenty
of "evidence" to back up their beliefs. The simple fact is that 82% of the world’s male population is
uncircumcised. Yet in the USA, 63% of males are circumcised. The USA represents 1/20th of the world’s
population, yet we perform well over 50% of the world’s circumcisions. According to the Mothers Against Circumcision web site (www.mothersagainstcirc.org), there are roughly 79 million American infant circumcisions
compared to 40 million throughout the rest of the world, out of a world population of over 2.5 billion males. The
United States is the only medically advanced nation to routinely subject its infant males to genital mutilation.
It is an unheard of practice in Europe, non-Muslim Asia, and South America. Yet we have celebrities raging
on against female genital mutilation in some Muslim countries; where is the outcry for the male babies right
here at home?
Western (civilized) nations have no history of circumcision. It was not until the Greek and Roman empires
expanded into Muslim countries that genital mutilation was discovered. Both ancient Rome and Greece
passed laws prohibiting circumcision to be practiced. Circumcision was not a common practice in the USA
until the Victorian era, when doctors would circumcise infants to curb male masturbation. Older boys were
circumcised as a punishment for being caught masturbating. Circumcision was still listed in American medical books until the 1970’s as a way to prevent boys from masturbating. During the cold war era, as women
began to stray away from home birth to hospital birth, hospitals began to routinely circumcise infants without
parental consent. They continued this until a number of lawsuits in the 1970’s required them to receive parental consent. Suddenly and miraculously, circumcision then became the answer to many medical problems
such as penile cancer. Over the years, as these medical theories have been disproved, aesthetic excuses
such as ‘I want him to look like his father,’ ‘it’s easier to clean,’ and ‘he’ll be made fun of in the locker room,’
have come into disgusting play.
The simple fact is that there are no valid, medical reasons to have your infant son mutilated. If you are considering circumcising your son, I suggest you go to your local library or find a video of the procedure being done
online and watch it. The theory that an infant doesn’t feel pain is total bull. If it doesn’t crush you to watch a
helpless, trusting, hours-old infant strapped down onto a restraint board and have the tip of his penis hacked
off, then perhaps you should rethink having a child at all. There are still those doctors that still, in this day and
age, will tell a questioning mother that her infant will not feel any pain. They will boast that some infants even
sleep during the procedure, though passing out from the pain is more likely. Only 14% of doctors use any anesthetic during the procedure. A common anesthetic used is a topical cream, EMLA. It has been proven that
the cream does not penetrate deeply enough and only lasts through roughly 1/3 of the procedure. Injectible
anesthetics are not used as they cause the penis to swell, making the surgery more difficult.
It is also relatively unknown what happens to the foreskin after the procedure is done. Very few people know
that there is a great demand for human foreskins in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. It is a multimillion dollar a year venture. Companies such as Advanced Tissue Sciences and Bio-Surface Technology
purchase human foreskins to advance their research for both cosmetics and things such as the breathable
bandage. Ask your doctor if your hospital is in the business of selling spare body parts.
When I was interviewing doctors to see who would be given the pleasure of delivering my children, I asked
them two questions over the phone, before ever scheduling an appointment: Do you do abortions, and do you
perform circumcisions?If the answer to either of those questions was yes that was the end of the conversation.
Page 15
Spring - 2006
Common sense care for
your baby
By Stacey1488
I was the eldest of three kids, and I had my fair
share of caring for my little sisters. Changing
their diapers / nappies, putting them to sleep
and keeping them entertained were chores
for everyone in my family / extended family
and neighbours. My mother was a single
parent, so there wasn�t always money for
disposable diapers/ nappies and the like.
Diapers / nappies were washed in the tub
and hung in the sun and wind to dry. When my
sister made a mess, there was a clean supply
of cloth rags at hand. They were washed and
hung to dry in the sun and wind also. We never
had baby wipes and very rarely had disposable
diapers / nappies.
There were no middle of the night bottle warming
episodes; mother's milk is always the right temperature. We believed in nature and reality; we
believed that the human body could take care of
itself for the most part, and so we believed that
a mother's milk was made for a mother's baby.
When the little ones became interested in
trying solid food, they were given boiled,
mashed potatoes. Fork mashed beans. Real
egg yolk. Porridge, puried then cooked.
Commercial jars of baby food were expensive alternatives only for "wealthy families", who, in our minds, likely didn't even
eat beans and potatoes. I still love beans
and potatoes to this day lol.
How times have changed. Let's expose a
few myths.
� Clean white cloths, or rags cut from
just about any old thing, makes more
sense than buying or even making baby
wipes... those special throwaway bits
that can irritate baby's skin with soaps
and perfumes. Wash the cloths with detergent, rinse with a quarter cup of vinegar in the rinse water, and hang them in
the sun to dry.
� Juice especially for baby (at three times
the cost)? Where does it come from? Baby
apples? Gentle peaches? If regular apple
Page 16
Spring - 2006
juice is too strong for baby, dilute it. If it needs pasteurizing, boil it.
� By the same token, where does that baby food come from? I'd venture to say it starts out as the
same food you eat! Just don't use salt or any form or fat - butter, vegetable oil, shortening are all nonos at this point. When feeding your baby real food, be sure it's mashed completely. Remove even
very small lumps or strings of food, which can choke a baby. Their digestive system isn't ready to
handle it yet, either.
� It's not necessary to sew your own diapers, but it is necessary to use cloth diapers unless you have
more money than you know what to do with. Do the math, as they say. A dozen cloth diapers/nappies
cost around twelve to fifteen dollars and they last until the baby is potty trained. So what if it takes
four dozen or more? How many times could you reuse a disposable diaper/nappie?
Wash diapers like you do the rags, in bleach and detergent, and then use vinegar in the rinse to neutralize the bleach. Hang diapers in the sun to dry. Ultraviolet rays from the sun kill bacteria efficiently.
Don't believe the myth that the heat from your dryer will do the same. If anything, bacteria will thrive
i n
that warm dark environment.
� Mother's milk is not only cheaper, it's preventative medicine. Babies raised on it are more
easily weaned and sooner. They don't have digestive problems that plague bottle-fed babies
(constipation, etc) and they're generally healthier, according to most studies.
� Did you know that baby oil is nothing more than mineral oil with fragrance added? Fragrance that could irritate your babies' skin at twice the price?
� Or that cornstarch is preferable to baby powder, money wise and purity wise? Baby
powder is talcum powder, again with added fragrance, which can irritate baby's skin.
Cornstarch is pure enough for food.
� Baby lotion is more water than anything else. The 'anything else' is what sometimes
hurts your baby's skin more than it helps. Normally, baby skin doesn't need lotion, but
if it does occasionally, use pure olive oil instead. It's not especially frugal cost wise, but
used sparingly and only when it's needed, one small bottle should last longer than your
baby is a baby, which is more than you can say for baby lotion.
Bottom line? Raise your baby the natural, frugal, healthy; way and you'll save money
many times over in ways that's hard to anticipate.
Some facts were taken from Frugal Way Of Life
Page 17
Spring - 2006
Green Cleaning
F
By WAU NC
or a long time, I have sworn up and down that I would look into cleaning my house without the
expensive and potentially dangerous chemicals that fill my cupboard. It’s a pretty intimidating task
when you really think about everything you have to replace: bathroom cleaner, toilet cleaner, window
cleaner, floor cleaner, kitchen cleaner, laundry detergent, dish detergent, dishwasher detergent, carpet cleaner, air freshener- yeah, you get it. Some of those things are more toxic than others; some are merely
not so hot for the environment when they go down the drain. The biggest task is figuring out which cleaners
are the major offenders, which can be easily (and cheaply!) replaced, and how in the world to begin.
My purpose with this particular column is to share what I find out while making the Big Switch. I actually just
finished my first attempt, armed only with baking soda, vinegar, ammonia, water, and some lemon juice. I
can still smell the vinegar from my kitchen floor, which I like because it reminds me of coloring Easter eggs.
But since you may not dig vinegar, I’ll include a list of resources that I’ve referenced for you to check out on
your own, and maybe you can find an alternative that better suits your family.
So last week I picked up the following items: 3 lbs of baking soda for $1.50; 1 gallon
of white vinegar for $1.99; and ‘ gallon of ammonia for $0.99. So the grand total was
just over four bucks, which is comparable to a single bottle of any given cleaner.
Some people choose not to clean with ammonia because it is an irritant or they
merely don’t care for the smell; I decided to go ahead and use it as part of my
general cleaner because I wiped the surfaces down with lemon water afterwards, rinsing it away and taking care of the odor. The vinegar serves as a mild
disinfectant; some people use Borax, and I will probably try that next.
Today’s major tasks were the two bathrooms and the linoleum floors throughout
the house. My usual cleaners of choice have been Clorox with Teflon for the
bathrooms, Lysol Cling for the toilet bowl, some natural glass cleaner stuff from
Home Depot for the mirrors and chrome, and good old Mr. Clean for the floors.
I’ll spare the chemical details, but basically there are all sorts of nasty chemicals
in all that stuff, but you know that and that’s why you’re reading this in the first
place.
I mixed up a generic all-purpose cleaner to spray down the sinks, shower/tub and toilet. I
used:’ c ammonia, 2 Tbsp vinegar, 1 Tbsp baking soda, and 32 oz warm water. I mixed it all in one of those
empty spray bottles from the hardware store, but to make a gallon you use 1 c ammonia, ‘ c vinegar, and ‘ c
baking soda. This needs to be wiped off with water after you clean with it, so I also had a bucket of hot water with some lemon juice. For the toilet bowl, I sprinkled in some baking soda and poured in some vinegar,
then scrubbed with a brush. If you have a young child, they’ll probably get a good giggle from seeing the
toilet bubble, I know my son did. The vinegar is acidic and removes some of the mineral staining in the bowl
if you have any. As far as the end results, I just went and checked the bathroom. There is no discernable
odor, the sinks are shiny and there is no residue, and the toilet bowl is actually a little whiter. I didn�t clean
the mirror or chrome because those are part of next week’s trial of cleaning all the glass in the house.
For my floors, I mixed ‘ c of vinegar in 1 gallon of hot water. I’ one of those on-the-knees scrubbers, and
I just wash my floor with a bucket and a rag. Everything came right up off the floor, including a lovely pen
doodle by my preschooler. The house does smell like vinegar, but it is airing out and has a pleasant smell.
There is no residue on the floor, it’s smooth and clean, so I’ll definitely stick with the vinegar for the linoleum.
In the next issue, I will have quite a bit more to share, as I am planning on trying something new weekly.
You can look forward to my misadventures while trying to get my windows, kitchen, dishes and laundry
clean without harsh cleansers. If you have any personal tips or recipes to share, please send them in and I
will include them in the next issue!
Page 18
Spring - 2006
What are your
children reading?
The Biscuit book series. These books
are too cute, I just got a lot of 5 of
them off Ebay (I was silly though, I
paid $15 w/shipping and you can get
almost the same set for $10 lol).
Anyway, they came today, they are so
cute, and my son read two pages by
himself!
Right Now my children 7
and 9 are reading Moby
Dick, we love the Classics
in our house and we try to
do a new one each month!
Amanda
Sadie
We like the Angus books they are originally from the
1930’s... but in my house it is “Benny” because that
is our scottie’s name. We also like the McDuff books
Highlandlass14
My daughter who is 10 yrs old is currently reading The Little House Books by
Laura Ingalls Wilder, they are absolutely AMAZING, and she loves them! I love to
read them also, nice, they are also available on Audio tape and CD, and i would
highly recommend them for road trips!
Melanie
Page 19
Raising a Superior child
Nutrition
By WAU NC
You are what you eat; it�s a simple but
true fact, and it is particularly applicable
to children. As a young body grows, it
can only work with what it is given, and
the responsibility lies with the parents
to make sound nutritional choices on
behalf of their children. Not only are we
feeding their bodies; we are also instilling in them the patterns that they will
follow as they make their own decisions
later in life. Feed a kid grape soda and
Dingdongs for breakfast at 3, and you
will most likely find him eating the same
crap 5, 10, and 20 years later, with a gut
and rotted teeth to show for it.
Spring - 2006
Page 20
Spring - 2006
O
K, well that may be something of an extreme case and not all that common (though not completely
unheard of), but the core idea holds true. As a parent, you have the power to shape your child’s
future; if you don’t put forth a conscious effort, then he will pick up on your actions anyway, only you
won’t have control over whether your influence is positive or not. It’s the simple decisions that are
made now, such as avoiding McDonald’s altogether, not introducing soda, etc. that are going to make a difference in the long run. Our kids are going to form their tastes and habits now, and chances are if they aren’t
introduced to the junk early, they won’t develop a taste for it any time soon. And if they do so as an adult, so
be it; at least their little bodies will have a chance to grow without all that crap in there taking the place of truly
nutritious food.
My son is three, and for as long as he has been eating solid foods, I’ve had a pretty simple plan. Each of his
three meals includes something whole-grain, protein, dairy, fruit, and a vegetable at lunch and dinner. He
has an afternoon snack that varies, usually another whole-grain choice. Of course life is no fun without the
occasional treat, like birthday cake, Halloween candy, or a cookie once in a blue moon, but they are saved
for special occasions and are separated by a few weeks at the least. People joke that it’s mean to keep the
sweets out, but dessert is meant to be a treat here and there, not a regularly scheduled meal. So that’s how
we look at it in our household, and I think it just makes those treats all the more special.
I’ve just realized that my house is a little crazy and this may not sound normal to people, to be fixing a special
meal for their toddler. We have three people in our family, my husband is a meat and potatoes type of guy, I fix
something vegetarian and low fat for myself, and our son has his own meals. I’m not sure if it sounds like too
much work for other people, but you can apply the same idea when fixing a meal for your entire family. Just
try and make sure meals are well-rounded and include as many different varieties of fruits and vegetables
as you can (the color rule is helpful; go for as many different colors as possible). Once you figure out what to
include in each ‘category’ you can stock up for variety. To give you some ideas, I’ll share some typical options
I give my son (he’s old enough to pick his own foods from the choices presented to him and enjoys helping
fix his own meals), and maybe you can get some ideas for your own family as well.
Breakfast:
Whole-grain: old fashioned oatmeal (not the instant kind), buckwheat waffle (1 square), whole-wheat toast or
a whole-grain cereal.
Protein: 1 egg, scrambled, fried or hardboiled, without salt or butter or anything.
Dairy: ‘ c milk, also contributes protein Fruit: fresh fruit of choice, sometimes we have fruit cocktail with the
juice rinsed off, applesauce, etc.
Lunch:
Whole-grain: a sandwich, usually natural peanut butter with all-fruit jam on whole-wheat.
Fruit: same as above, from a different group (Only one citrus per day, etc.)
Protein/Dairy: yogurt (Stonyfield farm brand, organic without all the additives)
Vegetable: fresh vegetable, usually carrots.
Snack: This is where it really varies, sometimes I bake whole wheat pretzels, or we have whole grain crackers
with raisins, organic granola bars, etc.
Dinner:
Protein: Usually a small portion of Dad’s dinner; sometimes cottage cheese, meat in pasta, tofu or beans.
Whole grain: if not part of above, wheat pasta or wheat toast.
Vegetable: usually broccoli, frozen and steamed.
Fruit: same as above.
Dairy: ‘c milk
That pretty much sums up what my son eats, and we’ve been following that plan for so long now that it’s
second nature and takes minimal effort. As a result, he is a very lean and muscular boy, very rarely gets sick,
has plenty of energy and is an all-around very healthy child. If you wait to make nutritious foods a part of your
child’s daily life, it may result in him avoiding them altogether when he begins to equate healthy with ‘yucky.’
Make things like broccoli a favorite now, and even if he decides that he doesn’t want to eat it later in life, at
least his little body can reap the nutritional benefits at this early stage in his life.
Page 21
Avoiding a
C-Section
C
Spring - 2006
delivery. Ask your doctor about a VBAC (Vaginal
Birth After Caesarean). In the past, doctors were
afraid of the uterus rupturing along the incision line
of the previous C-section, but today’s advanced
surgical techniques have lessened the chance of
this happening. So a vaginal birth may very well
be possible for you.
By Anne
Read and educate yourself so you know when you
are being steered toward something that may not
aesarean Birth deliveries are on the rise; be right for you or your baby. Ask questions. As
some women even ASK for one just to avoid the old saying goes: The only stupid question is
a normal, vaginal birth! Some doctors could the one that does’t get asked.
be considered ‘C-Section Crazy’ and do unnecessary C-sections for practically no reason. This should
be discussed during your very first appointment with
your OB. You should make it known, right from the
start, that you DO NOT want a C-section unless it
is a life threatening situation. Personally, I wouldn’t
go to any doctor who would even consider doing
an ‘Optional C-Section,’ just because the mother is
afraid of giving birth! So, the first step in avoiding a
C-section is choosing a doctor that is on the same
page as you are. Ask about their C-section to vaginal birth ratio’ if it seems high to you, don’t hesitate
to ask more in-depth questions about the different
scenarios where he/she would call for a C-section.
For example: if your child is in a breech position,
would the doctor rush to a C-section, or try to turn
the baby? I have personally had two successful external versions where my breech babies were turned
to the correct position for birth.
Choosing a midwife and/or doula will also lessen
your chance of having a C-section. Statistics show
that midwives call for a C-section less often then a
doctor.
After you have chosen the right doctor for you, have
this conversation often and make it well known
throughout your pregnancy that you want to do
everything within reason to avoid a C-section. It’s
YOUR body and YOUR baby� YOUR wishes should
be followed!
Ask your doctor about his use of the fetal monitor.
Once they strap the monitor on, walking is no longer
an option. Walking and/or changing positions frequently during labor have been shown to reduce the
odds of needing a C-section. Ask your doctor about
intermittent monitoring. If you and your baby have
both had a healthy, normal pregnancy, there should
be no reason to avoid intermittent monitoring.
Some women who have had past C-sections are
wrongly told that they cannot have a future vaginal
Top Ten Signs of
Pregnancy
Missed Period
Tender Breasts
Nausea
Fatigue
Frequent Urination
Spotting
Light Headedness
Constipation
HeartBurn
Page 22
S
Spring - 2006
The Great Toothpaste Swindle
By WAU NC
o you’ve finally squeezed the last bit out of your crusty toothpaste tube, and it’s time to brave the
toothpaste aisle: row upon row of Extreme Sparkling Minty-Fresh Whitening Action. If you’re like me,
you grab what’s on sale or whatever has the shiniest box. I never put much thought into toothpaste
because I figured it was a bunch of different packages for virtually the same product, which is pretty
much how it works. But there are some ingredients that you should be aware of, some claims that are true
and not-so-true, and just some interesting things to know about boring old toothpaste that I feel like sharing.
The basic components of toothpaste are: water; humectants, which give the paste its shape and keep it
moist; surfactants, which is basically the soap that loosens the particles from your teeth; binders to keep the
liquid and solid ingredients from separating; whitening agents that remove staining; the flavorings, colorings,
preservatives and such; and finally, the active ingredients that the brands claims are based upon.
Active ingredients are fluoride, tartar controlling agents, antibacterial components, and things of that nature.
Fluoride is pretty essential for adults, as it is the best proven method of preventing tooth decay currently
known. Though some areas have fluoridated water, it only affects teeth that are still developing, which would
be the teeth of kids 16 and under. Adults need the fluoride found in toothpaste, and children can benefit greatly from the reduced amount of fluoride in specially formulated toothpaste for kids. There are some brands out
there that do not contain fluoride if you prefer to avoid it based upon your own research, so that is a choice
left up to you.
Tartar control is just that- control and not removal. Tartar is plaque that has hardened on teeth, and that’s
what stains and discolors teeth for the most part. For tartar control toothpaste to be effective, it must be used
regularly (read: twice a day, or at least before bed!) and you should see a 40-50% reduction. Prevention really
is the key, because once it has hardened, it’s nasty stuff to get rid of. Think of that hook-like scraper thing your
dentist has, and why you may like to avoid it. There’s your motivation to keep brushing.
Miracle whitening toothpastes aren’t going to come anywhere near as close as the kits or a visit to your dentist. They will help remove the staining, but teeth aren’t naturally sparkly white anyway, so they won’t make
you look like a movie star. For any significant whitening action, you’re really going to have to go another route.
If you have sensitive teeth, you may want to try out special toothpaste formulated to ease the pain. Desensitizing toothpastes have minerals in them that block the channels in teeth that connect to the nerves, but it
takes 4 to 6 weeks of regular use to see dramatic improvement. For a particular sore spot, you can dab a bit
of the paste onto the area for a minute or two and it will have a slight numbing effect.
Antibacterial ingredients kill germs and prevent nasty things like gingivitis. In mainstream brands, you find
stuff Triclosan, and natural toothpastes use baking soda, tea tree oil, and some other things like that. I’ll spare
the chemistry, but basically germs=bad, must kill.
Speaking of baking soda, what does it do for your teeth? Whiten them? Nope. Freshen your breath? Yep,
and that’s about it. Baking soda actual has mild antibacterial properties, but it has to be present as at least
26% of the solution for it to be effective, and there is only one main brand that has it. When wet, it’s even less
effective, so basically the baking soda in all but one brand is worthless. That single brand is Arm & Hammer
Peroxicare, which has 51% baking soda. But unless you just really dig that baking soda freshness, I’d recommend a different brand. Read on.
Most toothpaste is in fact created equal. The biggest ingredient to look for is fluoride, and you need to decide
if you prefer a natural brand or not. If that’s the case, Tom’s of Maine has the only natural toothpaste recognized by the ADA (and that’s only their fluoridated versions) and I would personally recommend it. They say
give it 5 days to become acclimated to the taste, and it’s true; they don’t include the barrage of sweeteners
found in other pastes, but once you get used to the flavor, you may prefer it. For mainstream brands, if you
are going to be particular, your best bet is Colgate Total. It has the most effective antibacterial, tartar controlling and anti-decay ingredients and it is comparable in price to everything else out there. But if you�re just
going to reach and grab and aren’t particular about anything other than taste, the generic brand is just as
good as the extreme stuff. You just may not be as cool.
Page 23
Spring - 2006
Family Recipes
Hot Cross Buns
By Vicky
Hot Cross buns are lightly sweet and will go well with any other Ostara dishes
you are going to make, Hot Cross Buns have always been a big favourite of
mine, i hope you enjoy them!
INGREDIENTS:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
3 cups flour
1 cup evaporated milk
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 oz of dry yeast
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp allspice
PREPARATION:
Mix all the ingredients except for the yeast and
egg. In another bowl, dissolve the yeast in 1/4cup hot water. Add yeast and beaten egg to the
flour mixture. Cover with a cloth and let the dough
rise until double in size (about an hour).
Preheat your oven to 400F. Shape the dough into
balls around 3-inches across and place in the oven on a lightly greased sheet. After 5 minutes, bring them out
and cut a light cross in the tops of each bun. Put back in the oven and bake buns for another 15-20 minutes.
Visit our Website for more Family Recipes and much more
http://www.homefrontpublications.org
Page 24
Spring - 2006
Online Homeschooling
Resources
My children are 6 and 13, so most of the links provided
are for those two age groups! I just thought I would write
about that very first link I posted http://www.starfall.com/
What a great little place. You can download the whole
thing and print it, or ask them to send you the whole set
FREE in workbooks.
I just got mine in the mail; it only took about 5 days. My
son loves it, and their website has lots of activities which
correspond to the workbooks.
The only draw back is that at the end of the first level of
reading they seem to make all the characters multi-cultural. But it is only four stories out of fifteen. I guess no too
bad.
What a fun, colorful, free, and organized way to teach
your kid to read, five Stars.
Glory
Page 25
Spring - 2006
10 Tips for Divorced Parents
By WNMom
Everyone knows that divorce can be very hard on everyone involved especially the children. Here are some tips to help
make it easier on the children. This comes from my personal experience so they may not all work in your particular situation but are worth trying none the less. All examples are things that I have experienced first hand.
1
. Once you know you are getting a divorce talk with your partner about custody and visitation BEFORE you go to
court. If you have an agreement made ahead of time you will be able to make the transition smoother. You may also
be able to compromise to where the non primary parent can get additional visitation over what the court would give.
Children need their parents (exceptions made for abusive parents). No matter what you think of your partner now, at
one point you loved them enough to have a child with them. Keep that in mind and set aside hurt feelings to do what
is best for the children involved. Don't let the ex make plans on your time. Ex., if you
are supposed to have the child for the week of spring break and the ex
makes plans to take the child skiing for your whole week and your
weekend. Then they come back and you ask to see the
child since you agreed to let them go after the plans had
been made and the ex says, "No it isn't your weekend."
If you stick strickly to the divorce agreement you have
already made it known that you will not agree to losing your time with the child. Then if a situation like
this comes up you can take it to court with proof
that you have never changed the routine. This of
course is only in cases where the ex is a selfish
materialistic jerk who only cares about themself
and not what is best for the child.
2
. Keep records of EVERYTHING! What
time you picked the child up or dropped
the child off. The condition the child was
when they were handed over and when
they left. Keep all reciepts of purchases
made for the child's care. Keep a record
of activities that you shared with your child
from outings to reading books. This can
be very useful if you have a partner that
keeps trying to screw you. This way you
can prove the quality of care your child
gets in your custody. This is also useful
if your ex defies a court order. Ex., if
they are ordered to have you as first
choice "baby sitter" and they never
call you when they go to work and
leave the child with someone else.
Your records can prove contempt of
court. You should also notify your
lawyer each and every time they do
not contact you to babysit.
3
. File a report with your police
department if there is a "no
harass, no contact" clause in your
divorce every time your ex contacts
you for reasons other than issues with the children.
You are divorced. Ex., Your ex should not be calling
you to find out about what to do with their pet gecko
who won't quit breeding. They forfitted that right when
you were divorced. Sometimes an ex will call just to
"check up" on you while your children are in your
care. This can constitute harassment and the children pick up on negativity.
Page 26
Spring - 2006
4
. Never talk badly about your ex in front of or within ear shot of your children. No matter what caused your divorce
pitting one parent against the other and essentially causing a child to have to "pick" between parents is very damaging to them. It will come back to bite you in ass later as well. Ex., NEVER tell a child that their parent has "abandonded"
them or they don't love them. The children ALWAYS tell the ex what was said and that only stirs up the anger again. It
also is a really crappy thing to tell a kid and can have adverse mental issues for that child.
5
. If you must communicate with your ex concerning the children do it privately and away from the children.
Ex.,Sometimes conversations can get heated when an ex is being a jerk and even over the phone the children know
it is about them. This can leave them feeling like it is their fault.
6
. Even if you and your ex can not get along set that aside one day a year and have your child's birthday together. This
will mean so much to the child and teaches them that mommy and daddy love them enough to give them a birthday
free of hurt feelings. If you are unable to be around your ex invite your family to a birthday party for the child. Even though
some people think 2 parties are too much your childs birthday is important to them and you should make the effort to let
them know you think it is important as well. Don't blow it off because they have already had a party with your ex.
7
. Don't try to "out do" your ex. Kids that are bought to love become materialistic brats and will usually remain so for
life. Ex., Provide your children with everything you would have but if you go and buy the children a bunk bed, then
your ex goes out and buys canopy bunk beds the children will start to play the "(so and so)" got me THIS can you get me
THIS? Kids pick up on the competition and instead of knowing they have a loving parent they will see only that material
things get them attention.
8
. Don't relax on rules and consequences when the
children are under your care. The ex might have a
more "fun" house but in the end what the children learn will stick with them longer than
anything. Many of us when we were
children said, "I won't do {____} to my
kids when I grow up." Yet 9 out of 10
times you do because you realize
when you grow up that you didn't
know everything. Especially in
these times parents need to know
their children and provide reliable
stability for them.
9
. Be involved with all issues
conderning your child. Even if
you are not the primary parent you
still have equal say when it comes
to the treatment of your child and to
the schooling they get. If you don't approve of something make your opinion
known. If the ex refuses to listen and
compromise inform your lawyer of their refusal and of them denying you your given
parental rights. If need be take them back to
court if it can not be resolved between you and
your ex.
1
0. Always keep in mind that your feelings
are less important than what is best for your
child. Make their life easier by supporting them
and not putting your wants ahead of common
sense. Striving to bring your ex as much trouble as
you possibly can because you have hurt feelings
is childish and damaging. Keep your personal opinions of your ex out of areas that involve your children. More likely than not they feel exactly like you
do when it comes to the children. Ex., Don't be a jerk
and use your children as leverage or as a weapon.
They aren't either of those. They are people who will
grow up acting what they saw from their parents. This
world doesn't need any more vindictive, self centered,
materialistic jerks...it has enough!
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Spring - 2006
Healthy bodies
Getting Started
By WAU NC
OK in the last column, I yelled at all the fat girls out there to get motivated; though it may have been a mean tactic, sometimes it takes
someone else’s brutal honesty to really be honest with ourselves.
This time around, I am writing for anyone interested in exercising
to become a healthier person, and because starting to excise
can be somewhat overwhelming, I’ll be a little nicer this time
and just share a few pointers to get you started.
The first thing you need to do is set a goal or two. Unless
you’e a nut, you don’t set out on a cross-country road trip
without a map; likewise, you can’t start an effective exercise program if you don’t know where you’d like to wind
up. We all have different goals, and they change with
time. I started out as the chubby chick that used
asthma as an excuse to get out of gym class; my
first goal was just to get moving and to lose the
excess weight. That was quite a while ago and
my goals have changed quite a bit; I’m still aiming to slim down, but my overall goal is to build
lean muscle mass and to burn off fat to create
more definition. My goal has become more specific as I have worked out more, and I have modified
my regimen to reflect that. My goals aren’t exactly important here, but I am trying to give you an idea of what
I mean. Have something set in your mind that you want to
achieve; that way you will be able to remind yourself of how far you’ve come, and where you are going to end
up after all of your hard work.
I know all of this goal talk sounds cheesy, but it really is an invaluable motivational tool. As you begin to see
changes taking place, you will be excited and inspired to work even harder to meet your goal. And once you
do, be sure to reward yourself. Even if it is with a big ol’ chocolaty sundae, one treat is not going to undo all
of your work, so indulge. Then set your next goal and get back to work.
So now you know what you�re aiming to do, and you need a means to do it. For any woman who cannot or
does not want to go to a gym, I have two words for you- exercise videos. Don’t think of Richard Simmons in
hot pants leading fat old ladies, because that�s not what I mean. You can get a good, solid workout in your
own home without a lot of expensive equipment. I redden in the face when I admit, even in writing, that I started with workout videos that I ordered from an infomercial. I was reeled in by the ad, and I’ll admit it. I’ll admit
it, because it was really one of the best buys I ever made, I still use what I bought now, and I recommend it
to other people all the time. I am not going to name brand/instructor names in this article, but if anyone wants
to contact me personally for video recommendations, I will be more than happy to help.
Anyway, I suggest you visit www.videofitness.com and www.collagevideo.com and read through the reviews
and previews of videos to find something that appeals to you. You�ll probably need to pick up a few pairs of
dumbbells, which you can get for pretty cheap at a sporting goods store or even big retail box store. If you
Page 28
Spring - 2006
are interested in step aerobics, you’ll need a step (check a used sporting goods place first!). Certain videos
require specific pieces of equipment, so you’ll need to check that out first before you get started. You can also
rent videos and preview them, sometimes through your local library, or if you rent DVDs online, they have
fitness selections as well. It’s hard to recommend anything without actually recommending anything, so like I
said, please email me with questions or pick through the aforementioned sites.
A good program is going to require including at least cardio and weight workouts. The cardio will help burn
calories (read=lose weight) and will increase your cardiovascular health. Weight workouts will build lean muscle mass, creating a shapely and toned body. Plus adding muscle increases your metabolism, which means
that your body will burn more calories during your regular daily activities. Don’t worry about bulking up; building up the body-builder look doesn’t happen without lots of extra effort, so just working out moderately with
weights and no supplements isn’t going to make you huge. Cardio and weights can be combined in workouts
together, done back to back, alternating days, etc; it depends on your personal preference and which videos
you choose. A good starter schedule could be something like: Monday, cardio; Tuesday, weights (either upper
or lower body, or total body); Wednesday, rest (or add in a yoga or stretch tape); Thursday, cardio; Friday,
weights. You don’t want to take on too much too quickly, because you will burn out mentally and physically.
You also need to have at least one day of rest for a muscle group before working it again with heavy weights.
Shoot for what you can do to start; 20 minutes of cardio is a good beginner goal, and work your way up to
60 minute cardio sessions. I mentioned yoga and stretch; I incorporate these at least once a week into my
routine to give my muscles a good stretch and to improve flexibility; you also need to add in core work if it
is not included in your videos. With your goal in mind, decide how often you need cardio, which body parts
you’d like to work with weights and how often weekly, and how much time per day
you can dedicate to working out. Naptime was my workout time for a long time,
and I started out 4 days a week, 30-45 minutes; now I usually shoot for 50-80
minutes 5 days a week plus 30-60 minutes on an optional 6th day. Decide
what works for you and just go for it!
Like I said, don’t take on too much at once, and keep in mind that
when you begin, anything is more than what you were doing
before. So if you can’t finish that entire step tape, that’s alright.
Just stick it out for five more minutes next time, until you can
get all the way through it. If you have to use lighter weights
than an instructor on a video, no big deal; I have to do that
all the time when the Amazon of an instructor I prefer
goes for the 20 lb bicep curls. Design a program, give it
a whirl, and modify as needed. You need to find types
of exercises that you enjoy, that way you will stick
with it and have a good time while improving your
life. Of course there are other ways of exercising,
such cardio and weight machines at home or the
gym, jogging and biking outdoors, but exercise
videos are my forte, so that’s where I can give
advice until I’m blue in the face. But anything
that gets you physically active is going to do
the trick, even if it’s just walking the dog after
dinner every night. Just remember that you
get out of it what you put in, so the harder
you work out, the greater the rewards will be.
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Spring - 2006
The wicked stepparent
syndrome
By WNMom
Once upon a time... there lived an unhappy young girl. Unhappy she was, for her mother
was dead, her father had married another woman, a widow with two daughters, and her
stepmother didn't like her one little bit. All the nice things, kind thoughts and loving
touches were for her own daughters. And not just the kind thoughts and love, but also
dresses, shoes, shawls, delicious food, comfy beds, as well as every home comfort. All
this was laid on for her daughters. But, for the poor unhappy girl, there was nothing at all.
No dresses, only her stepsisters’ hand-me-downs. No lovely dishes, nothing but scraps.
No nice rests and comfort. For she had to work hard all day, and only when evening came
was she allowed to sit for a while by the fire, near the cinders. That is how she got her
nickname, for everybody called her Cinderella.
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Spring - 2006
How many times have we told this story to our children? How many times have we heard it ourselves? When our friends get the short end of the stick, how many times have we said they are getting treated worse than a ‘red-headed step-child’? Through out time stepparents have gotten a bad
reputation. However undeserving it is, good stepparents constantly feel that only the negative and
never the positive are measuring them.
Being a stepparent is somewhat different from regular parenting, not so much in the technique you
may choose to use when raising your stepchildren or influencing them should they not live with you,
but the way you must go about teaching them. Every situation is different and depending on the level
of intelligence and civility both you and the natural parents have, being a stepparent can be a joy or
pure hell. I hope to touch on each of these views in this article.
There are a great many people who feel that a stepparent could never love a stepchild as they could
or do their own children. This is not true. For many stepparents there is a special bond with the stepchild just as a natural mother or father would have. In some cases it is even stronger than that of the
natural parents.
When you agree to be in a relationship where there are already children you must make some serious decisions before committing yourself to a long-term relationship. First and foremost you must
always put the children first and expect that the natural parent will as well. That means that you are
second in the relationship. If you cannot live with that then being a stepparent is not something you
should take on. Being a step-parent can be very trying at times and natural parents may not see you
as an equal in matters that involve their children, not even the person you are in a relationship with.
Some other things to consider would be how well you and the ‘other’ parent get along. If you do not
get along with the natural parent with whom you share your duties then you either need to sit down
with them and work out the issues or you may need to reconsider getting involved. While it is possible to be a stepparent and not get along with the shared duties parent, it makes life 100% harder for
the children and for you.
You may also want to consider how well you get along with the child. You will NEVER replace the
child. You will NEVER get the parent (if they are in fact a good and responsible parent) to choose you
over the child and you should not expect to do that anyway. Another factor is how serious you plan
to be with your new partner. Is this planned for the long term or is this a relationship you doubt will
last? Getting involved in a relationship where you have the potential to be a stepparent is something
that you should never weigh lightly. It does not just affect you. Everything that happens will affect the
children.
I understand that people cannot always determine the length of a relationship, however, the majority
of people do know whether or not they are in a lasting relationship. Stepparents must be extra careful
when considering this because if the relationship should be dissolved the stepparent has no legal
rights to the children. If you have been in their lives for a while it can have damaging effects on you
and the children. When a marriage breaks up and natural parents separate the children will usually
still be involved with both parents. When a stepparent and a natural parent separate, the stepparent
no longer has the right to see or be involved with the children. You need to really consider the possibility of this issue and determine whether or not you will be able to live with that. If you can’t or you
think you may not be able to, do not get involved. While we all get married with the idea that our marriage will be the one that spans a lifetime, nothing in life is certain except death. It is a fact you must
face and plan for prior to becoming emotionally attached to someone else’s child.
When you have thought over every possibility and decided that you are indeed ready to enter the
world of step parenting there are a few more things you should consider. Sometimes children are
eager to welcome you into their lives. This could be the case if the natural parent you mirror is not or
was not much of a parent. It could also be the case if the natural parent has died and sometimes it is
just a very warm and loving child. However, allowing a child to call you’ Mom or Dad’ before a legal
commitment is made is something that should be reconsidered. It can be hard to resist sometimes
but allowing the children to give you that title can cause some major problems. First if the natural par-
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Spring - 2006
ent is still in the child’s life they can become terribly jealous and fearful that
the child will love you more than them.
This can cause serious issues with
visitation and custody arrangements.
Also, should the relationship dissolve
the child is left feeling that ‘another’
parent has left them. Lastly if you allow the children to label you with the
title of ‘Mom or Dad’ and the relationship should be dissolved it will make
it harder to leave because of guilt over
leaving the children.
There was a case not too long ago
where a young woman became involved with a man who had a couple
of children. One of them lived with
him and the other did not. Everything
seemed fine at first until the natural
mother saw the stepmother forming a very strong bond with the child
that lived in the home. The child soon
called the stepparent ‘Mama’ and the
natural mother became enraged. The
natural mother had very little to do
with the child and in fact was pregnant by another man. Despite this fact
she could not stand the thought that
her child could possibly love another
person in a child/parent way. The stepmother did everything she could to
give the stepchild the love and attention that had been lacking in her life.
She taught her things to get her level of
learning where it should be for a child
of her age, she cared for her when she
was sick, she trained her to the potty
and loved the child as if she were her
own. All of this only further enraged
the natural mother. In this case it
would have suited the natural mother
just fine if the stepmother had really
been a wicked stepparent. Eventually
she decided that her child should not
be loved by anyone else and had the
child removed from her father a year
after she had walked out on him and
their child. That was not enough for
her though. She continued to try and
get the visitations limited and actually
talked badly about the stepmother to
the child and to the man�s other child.
When her efforts fell short of driving
the step-mother away and fell short of
destroying the bond the step-mother had with the child she
tried to do everything in her limited power to separate the
natural father and the step-mother. When she was finally confronted with her behavior she explained to the natural father
that she had done all of this because she did not like her
child calling the stepmother ‘Mama’.
Eventually she got her way and the stepmother left. It wasn’t
enough to just move, she had to get as far away from the
natural mothers as possible and moved across the country
just to find some peace. She now has no involvement with
the children.
Another case involves a stepmother who went into a relationship where there were two natural children but neither of
who lived with the father. However, one day the eldest of his
natural children came to live with him on a permanent basis.
The stepmother did not like the child and the conflict caused
great pain to all parties involved. Eventually it led to the marriage being torn apart. The stepmother had not considered
the possibility of having a stepchild even though she knew
prior to getting involved that there were other children. However, she did find out before she got married but was so consumed by the idea of being married that she failed to think of
all the aspects of this new life as a stepparent. She believed
that she would be able to squeeze the natural child out of the
life of the father. Even though she has two children by him,
he still chose to put his child first. The problem lies in the fact
that this woman could not handle being second in line.
When teaching or influencing a stepchild you must always be
mindful of the ways the parents have chosen to raise them.
Personal beliefs and preferential politics can cause serious
issues. You can still influence a child to your personal beliefs
without spelling it out in crayon to them. Your actions and
they way you treat them and the people around you will set
an example. Children are not stupid and they do see through
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Spring - 2006
smokescreens. So always be aware of the choices you make and they way you are acting. Always
take the high road in situations that involve the stepchildren. Sometimes that can be trying but it is
worth it. When you chose to be the better person in a situation the children will never see any negative reactions from you where they are concerned. This will help build up a sense of trust and security
for them. When they are over, if they do not reside with you, play with them. Do activities together no
matter how small you may think they are getting your stepchildren involved will mean a lot to them.
Try to include them in family decisions. For example asking their opinion on where to go for dinner, or
what to cook for dinner, what movie to pick up, what activity to do for the night. Small things like that
will mean more in the long run than say trying to buy their love or affection. Leave that to the shared
duties parent. By all means get them what they need and every now and again it doesn�t hurt to buy
them a surprise or something they wanted and you feel they deserve.
However, taking them to the toy store every time they come over sets a bad example and will lead to
serious problems. Once you indulge in the manipulation of buying affection you teach the children
that they are able to make you and the shared duties parent compete. Then it becomes less about
being a family and more about who buys me what I want when I want it.
In conclusion all I can really say is to use common sense when contemplating becoming a stepparent. Treat your stepchildren with love and respect no matter how you are treated in return. When they
get older and mature they will remember that you were the one who was always there for them and
they will come to understand how much they really meant to you.
Skin and it's connection to food
Have you got Normal Skin - Oily Skin Or Dry!!
The right foods can help you!!
Oily Skin - If you have oily skin you are like me
and you are inclined to have greasy complexion,
you probably also get breakouts (UGH). Vitamin
A and omega fatty acids are essential for the
control of sebum production in the skin and YOU
should be taken them, so make sure you get
enough foods such as salmon, oranges, red fruits
and plenty of yummy green leafy veg, as well as
nuts and seeds in your diet. Without these foods
breakouts and a greasy complexion will be by
your side and we all know how annoying that can
be!!
Dry Skin - If you suffer from dry skin like most
people do, especially in the winter make sure
you're drinking enough water, you need to drink
around eight glasses a day, don't drink anymore
than 8 as too much water can also flush all your
minerals out. You may also be getting too few
omega fatty acids or too little vitamin E, i take
Vitamin E and use Vitamin E creams on my face. Good
sources of fatty acids include salmon (not a fav for me),
and other types of fatty fish (for omega-3 fatty acids),
also take flaxseed oil for omega-6 fatty acids. Vitamin E
is also found in green leafy veggies, and seeds.
Normal Skin - If you have normal skin, I envy you lol!
A regular, gentle skincare regiment and daily sun protection should be all you need to keep your skin in good
condition, my sister has "normal" skin and i really envy
her. Make sure you get plenty of antioxidants in your
diet. Beta-carotene, found in oranges, red and darkgreen fruit and veg are a powerful antioxidant and they
are converted into vitamin A - another vitamin that's
essential for skin health.
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Spring - 2006
The Basics of
Sunblock
By AryanAngel72
Are "sunblocks" and "sunscreens" the same thing? No. They
both provide sun- protection for the skin, but they use different ingredients and mechanisms in achieving that protection. A
"sunblock" most commonly uses zinc oxide or titanium oxide to
"block" the sun's harmful rays from penetrating the skin by reflecting it. A "sunscreen" uses minerals and other ingredients to
absorb the sun's harmful rays once it gets into the layers of the
skin. This helps mitigate sun damage to the skin. Sunscreens
are easier to wear than sunblocks as they readily absorb into the
skin and do not leave a whitish residue. However, sunblocks are
more advantageous in that they do not allow penetration of the
sun into skin. Their ingredients are often more harsh and may
leave a whitish residue on the surface of the skin, as they do not
absorb easily. This can be a problem when you wish to wear every day, or under makeup. Sunblocks are good for long periods
or extreme sun exposure, swimming and sports.
What is "SPF" anyway? SPF stands for "sun protection factor".
The FDA requires all sunscreen products to put their SPF on
their label. The SPF reveals the amount of sunburn protection
that a sunscreen can provide an average user, when applied
correctly. It is recommended that sunscreens have an SPF 15
or more. Note: An SPF of 30 is NOT twice as strong as an SPF
of 15, but rather provides about 97% protection against UVB
rays compared to 93% protection against UVB rays for SPF 15.
What are UVB and UVA rays? The sun's radiation accounts for
90% of skin aging and skin cancers. UV's are the damaging invisible ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from the sun. Both cause suntan, sunburn and sun
damage. UVB rays are rays that burn the skin during peak sun hours (between 10AM and 2PM) in the summer months and UVA rays- are rays that cause aging year round, regardless of weather.
Can I use my sunscreen for my face on my body too? Yes. However, sunscreens can be expensive and
sunscreens developed especially for the face, even more so: they must use a more advanced science and
expensive ingredients because the face tends to be more sensitive than other parts of the body. This is
especially true after facial treatments or surgery of any kind. General advice: It is better to use a specially
formulated sunscreen for your face on the rest of your body, if you have to, than to use a general allover
sunscreen on you face.
Page 34
ASK HOMEFRONT
Spring - 2006
Questions & Answers
(Q) What can I do to ease my nausea?
(A) There are many tips to ease nausea, experiment and do what works best for you. Snack frequently - lot
of pregnant women keep saltines on hand, 24/7. Drink lots of water. Avoid fatty foods and caffeine. Drink
peppermint & ginger tea, lemonade, ginger ale. Suck on hard candies. Accupressure bracelets can be purchased at most drug stores. Ask your healthcare provider about taking Vitamin B6.
(Q) Is it true that pregnant women shouldn’t clean the cat’s litterbox?
(A) Yes. Cat feces can contain the bacteria Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause Taxoplasmosis. It can also
be found in soil where cats may defecate, such as a garden.
(Q) Is it safe to clean my house while pregnant?
(A) Yes. Make sure you’re in a well ventilated area to avoid excess fumes. Always wear gloves (even when
you’re not pregnant) to avoid any chemicals being absorbed into the bloodstream. Seek out natural based
cleaning products to ensure safety.
(Q)How much weight should I gain when pregnant
(A) Weight gain varies. If your pre-pregnancy weight is normal, you should ideally gain 25 / 35 pounds. If
you’re under-weight, you should gain 25 / 40 pounds. If you are overweight, you should only gain 15 / 25
pounds.
(Q)Is it safe to travel?
(A) According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the safest time to travel while pregnant is during the second trimester. This is the time she is least likely to experience a miscarriage or premature labor. Traveling is considered safe up until 35 weeks, after that many doctors will not recommend it. If
you are traveling by air, check with your airline to make sure they will allow you to fly. Some airlines will not
allow women who are 35 weeks and beyond to fly. Metal detectors at the airport will not harm your baby.
(Q)I would like to decorate my baby’s room, is it safe for me to paint?
(A) It is recommended that you let someone else do the painting while pregnant.
(Q)Why am I feeling so tired?
(A)Being pregnant puts a strain on your body. Changing hormonal levels are the main culprit that give you
that run-down feeling. Tiredness usually eases with the passing of the first trimester. To help relieve that
tired feeling, listen to your body. Go to bed earlier and try to get nine to ten hours of sleep. If you can, take
a nap during the day. Eat right.
(Q)What over the counter (OTC) medicines are OK?
(A) ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS seek the advice of your healthcare provider before taking any OTC products.
(Q) Is it normal for me to have headaches?
(A) Yes. It is quite common to suffer frequent headaches while pregnant, especially during the first trimester. Although the exact cause is undetermined, it is believed that hormonal changes are the main cause.
Ask your healthcare provider what you can take to relieve your headache.
All information was obtained from www.babycenter.com. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is designed for educational
purposes only. ALWAYS seek the advice of your healthcare provider to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy
Page 35
Spring - 2006
Celebrating Ostara
By Vicky
Ostara, is the Spring Equinox, it is the day
when we see light conquering over darkness, when our glorious Spring has returned. In addition to the historical traditions and related holidays, there is an
abundance of pagan ways to mark the
return of life, which may add significance
to your celebration of Ostara!
Flowers are an obvious choice, I love
daffodils and when I see them I am
instantly reminded of my Homeland
Ireland and Ostara. If there are any
wildflowers growing near your home,
Ostara would be an ideal time to pick
some (respectfully). However, remember that many wildflowers do not survive even a single day after being
placed in water, so choose your flowers wisely. You may choose to do this in
connection with a nature walk. An Ostara nature walk is a great way to celebrate Mother Nature; it’s not for
any other purpose such as exercise. Keep the focus where it belongs Ladies and Gents.
Your florist will certainly have a wider selection of flowers for you to choose from, whether or not flowers
are in bloom in your area, I’m not sure if they plant Spring type flowers in parks in the USA, in Ireland once
St Patrick’s days is over we are free to pick Daffodils from the sides of roads. Traditional choices for ostara
include violets, daffodils, primrose, iris, peonies, narcissus, and cowslips. Yellow, white, and purple are most
often connected with Ostara and Easter, and these would be among the colours to select for flowers and for
candles. Yellow is the most traditional.
If you are interested in related traditions, check the Roman god of Attis, whose flower is the violet. His story is
yet another one showing rebirth and regeneration. Ostara is an ideal time to fill a cauldron or other container
with spring water, and place your flowers--or float them--where they will be seen as soon as you enter your
house. My husband has bought me a huge cauldron to do exactly this and we have a wonderful stand with a
chain to hang it from, Ostara is a special time for our family.
Hot cross buns are another traditional food at this time of year. Some people see the cross on top as a symbol
of the Christian cross; others regard it as the traditional markings of North-South-East-West. But the hot cross
bun always reminds me of Brigid and living in Ireland we were raised on Hot Cross buns for Ostara!
A lot of pagans, especially those with small children, enjoy the tradition of knocking on the ground (with their
hand, stick, or wand) to "wake up" Mother Earth. This can be done ceremonially, marking a four-pointed
circle/compass on the ground. The child who will do the "wake up" call starts at the southernmost point, walks
to the northernmost point--representing the cold north--and knocks there. Your Children can take turns doing
this, we done something similar for the Winter Solstice with a comrade and his son!
Spring-cleaning can be a family ritual also. It makes housecleaning a little more fun for children and adults
alike, if they see the connection to the wheel of the year. Spring-cleaning is upon us and we have just started
today March 12th!
However you choose to celebrate Ostara, remember that we are celebrating the abundance of Nature. The
New Year, and promised return of life, is finally here. Enjoy!
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Spring - 2006
Teething & Tooth Care for your baby
By Stacey1488
Unfortunely teething is something that all babies have to go through. Teething is actually a process that begins even
before your baby's first teeth start to appear. Most babies usually start teething when they are 4 to 7 months old. Typically, the first teeth to come in are the two front bottom teeth, I love when baby have their first two teeth and give you
that adorable smile, nothing compares to it. A month or two later, the front four upper teeth appear, followed by the two
lower incisors about four weeks after that. Next, the first molars arrive, and then the eyeteeth. However, this is just a
general idea of what to expect and many babies will have their teeth coming in earlier or later, it all depends on the
baby.
How will I know if my baby is teething?
Sometimes when your baby is teething, they will feel some type of discomfort. Some symptoms of teething include:
� Crying
� Running a low-grade temperature
� Drooling more than usual (very common sign)
� Irritability
� Biting and trying to chew on anything within reach (another very common sign)
� Swelling along the gum line that is tender to your touch
How can I make my baby feel more comfortable?
Your baby may need some extra cuddles, although some babies are so distraught and uncomfortable that hug won�t
even help. You can also try some of these tips to relieve your baby's discomfort:
� Wash and dry your hands. Then, using one of your fingers, rub
your baby's gums softly. This has worked like a gem for me.
� Many babies find teething rings made of a hard rubber
soothing to chew on. I cool mine in the fridge for 15 minutes. Don�t freeze them, as some tend to break!
� Soft, cold foods such as applesauce or yogurt can
be very appetizing to your baby and can offer some
teething relief if they are old enough for solid foods.
How should I care for my
baby's teeth?
Now that your baby's teeth are coming in, you
will want to keep them clean and healthy by:
� Using a gauze pad to wipe the teeth after
meals and at bedtime.
� Gently brushing the teeth with a baby toothbrush that has soft bristles.
� Not allowing your baby to go to sleep with a
bottle.
Source: The European Society of Pediatrics!
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Spring - 2006
How to Make Your Home Feel Fresh
By Vicky
We don't always have time for a full springtime clean, many of us start with the simple and easy tasks, like cleaning floors
and corners, dusting rugs and the like. There is just something about the freshness of the spring season that makes us
all want that spring freshness in our homes. We hope you enjoy the below tips, HomeFront have adapted these tips are
from one the e-newsletters WAU subscribes too - How to Make Your Home Feel Fresh in Spring - Enjoy!
1. Open your windows. Let a fresh spring breeze flow through your home and get rid of lingering winter staleness. If
it’s still cold where you live, try opening the window in your bedroom just a little, and sleep with an extra comforter, we
always sleep with the window opened at night, today we started to open the kitchen and living room windows to cleanse
the air in both rooms!
2. Try moving a piece of furniture or two. Sometimes the new perspective we gain when we change something around
is all we need for a sense of spacious freshness. We haven't moved furniture yet, but have plans to do so over the next
few weeks!
3. Simplify your knick-knacks. Try the ‘Take-Away Half’ plan: take away half of your knick-knacks and put them in a box.
Then when the seasons change again, switch them. It will feel like you have all new decorations! Today I removed all
my autumn candles and decorations, and I will only use flowers from spring d’cor, in my bathroom I just add cute little
fairies with flowers and candles.
4. Consider bring colour into your home. Try bringing in more light airy spring colours to your home. A new slipcover for
that tired sofa is a start, we don’t have a sofa that can be slip covered, I would love to change mine for each season, so I
throw a pastel throw rug over the back of the chairs, or even a couple of pretty pillows will make a refreshing difference.
5. Use old things in new ways. Try putting rolled-up napkins in a clean vase, or placing candles on a mirror for the dining
table, I put some of my candles that I don’t light on my coffee table on top of tiles I have of Spring Goddesses. I also use
pretty painted baskets to hold my magazines and remote controls; you can get them cheap at craft stores.
6. Follow your nose! If something smells ‘off’ in your home, find out what it is. Rotting compost, moldy drains, and a
neglected pet bed--all these can contribute to a sense of winter stuck staleness. Be sure to empty compost daily; try
pouring 1/2 cup of vinegar down your drain to freshen it; and give that pet bed a washing. And once you’ve eliminated
the causes of bad odors, place shallow dishes with a tablespoon of vanilla extract in each one around your home to
keep it smelling fresh. And if the fridge is the offending party I would suggest removing all food items from the fridge and
cleaning the entire inside of the fridge, the last time I had a bad smell in my fridge it wasn’t even any food we had inside,
it was just food that had spilled and started to smell. Also keep a pack of Baking Powder in your fridge to eliminate odors!
7. Fresh flowers help. The sight of pretty spring flowers blooming on a table or shelf livens our spirits. My husband has
just started to plant flowers and herbs. Bulbs are a great value since after they have bloomed you can plant them outdoors to bloom again next year. My favorite flower is Daffodils, we still haven’t grown any but they are definitely a great
spring flower!
8. Vacuum rugs/sweep or damp-mop floors. If you only have time for one chore, cleaning the floors is usually the one
that will make the most immediate difference in how fresh a room feels. Today we slept under all the living room chairs,
under the coffee table and under the mat at the entrance to our house, we actually threw out the rug from our living
room as it a dust and dirt collector and no amount of cleaning would remedy it, so we just left our floors bare and it feels
wonderful!
9. Do a quick pick up and put away. Anytime my husband and I clear out a little space, it gives us some breathing room,
and that feels really great. It�s like the early-spring raking we do in our yard; today we got rid of fallen leaves we had
ignored for the past few weeks, so new life can grow.
When we get rid of clutter and believe me it gets bad with two clutter bugs living in one small space, we create some
growing room in our home. You can start small, maybe with just one corner, but if you make a daily or weekly habit of it,
room-by-room, eventually your whole house will be done! Today we did our yard and living room!
10. Wipe pet hair off upholstered furniture. I absolutely hate pet hair on my furniture, so everyday I dust it off this only
takes a minute, it really makes a difference.
Page 38
Spring - 2006
Homeschooling
“Fact Families”
By Glory
A great tool I have recently started using with my
second grader’s math this year is Fact Families. I
was having a problem getting him to memorize addition and subtraction facts and since Singapore
doesn’t address memorization at all, (yet expects
them to know it midway through book 1A), I had no
choice but figure it out.
I created the fact family houses you see in the pictures by using simple draw functions on MS Word.
If I can do it, anyone can!
(When making the worksheets, put the sum of the
two number as the maximum value, and ignore
the rest. After you create this worksheet copy and
paste into a word doc. And then you can edit the
problems so they ONLY contain the fact families
you just practiced. (i.e. 1 + 1 = 2 or 2 - 1 = 1 and so
on)
What we do first is go over the first fact family in
the roof and then put the four operations in the
house. (See picture for clarity) So the fact family
1,1,2 is in the roof while the four operations are in
the ‘house’ living as a family. 1 + 1 = 2, 2 - 1 = 1.
This particular family, and all doubles or ‘twins’ as
I call them, only have 2 operations as they repeat
themselves.
Immediately after my son writes down the operations in the house, he fills in a worksheet of 15
problems using ONLY THIS fact family. The problems repeat themselves several times and this repetition is good for memorization of the fact family.
This first one is pretty boring, but it immediately
creates a sense of accomplishment as the child
only learns two facts, one addition and one subtraction. The natural inverse properties of addition
and subtraction let children ‘discover’ the patterns
that math will exhibit all the way through college.
My son seems to like finding these patterns, and
they excite him when he figures it out. He actually
told me he was getting smarter when we did this.
We go on to the next fact family as soon as he completes the top portion of his worksheet and repeat
the entire process. My schedule doesn’t permit
me to work with my son in math on a daily basis,
so we alternate days with the exact same worksheet he just did, on the next day to reinforce
memorization of the facts. And at the same time,
he isn’t learning anything new, so I don’t have
to participate in that activity. You may want to
introduce a new set of fact families every single
day.
We also practice using the fact family flashcards that are available on the Math Cats website. The print function wasn’t working when I
made them, so I just copied and past special-ed
the picture of the page into a word doc and then
printed them off that way. It worked just fine.
You can use this same concept when introducing the inverses of multiplication and division
and Singapore starts that in Book 2.
Good luck until next time,
Page 39
Spring - 2006
Leave it or heave it?
Are you wondering how long
a specific dry food item will
last on the shelf?
Here's a small guide:
Baking Powder - 1 Year
Baking Soda - 2 Years
Bouillon Cubes - 1 Year
Breadcrumbs, dried - 6 Months
Cake Mixes - 9 Months
Cornmeal - 1 Year
Flour (White) - 6/8 Months
Peanut Butter - 2/3 Months
Sugar, brown - 4 Months
Sugar, granulated - 2+ Years
Vanilla - 1 Year
Page 40
Spring - 2006
Doggie Treats from Scratch
By Vicky
Easter Dog Biscuits
INGREDIENTS:
* 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
* 1/2 cup nonfat powdered milk
* 1 tsp. sugar (or less)
* 1 egg
* 1 tsp. beef or chicken bouillon granules
* 1/2 cup hot water
PREPARATION:
In a large bowl, dissolve bouillon in hot water. Cool to room temperature. Add remaining
ingredients. Knead for three minutes or until
dough forms a ball. This dough can be really tough to roll :( so i let my husband do that part.
Juno's Peanut Butter Cookies
INGREDIENTS:
* 2 cups whole-wheat flour
* 1 tbsp. baking powder
* 1 cup peanut butter (chunky or smooth)
* 1 cup milk
PREPARATION:
Preheat oven to 375'F. In a bowl, combine flour and baking powder. In
another bowl, mix peanut butter and milk, then add to dry ingredients and
mix well. Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead. Roll dough
to 1/4 inch thickness and use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Bake for
20 minutes on a greased baking sheet until lightly brown. Cool on a rack,
then store in an airtight container.These cookies BURN easily!!
Page 41
Spring - 2006
Kids Crafting Corner
“Ostara Eggs”
By Vicky
It's Ostara/Easter time, and we all know what that means- its time to decorate some eggs, my favourite part
of spending time in the USA for Ostara was decorating eggs, this wasn't something we done in Ireland! Here
are some fun alternatives to store-bought kits that you can use to create unique Ostara/Easter eggs with
items found around the house. Be sure to wash your eggs in warm soapy water before decorating to remove
any residue!
Boiling Eggs
To prevent cracking, bring your eggs to room temperature before you boil them. Place your eggs in a single
layer in a saucepan and add enough water to cover the eggs, plus an inch or so. Bring to a boil, then reduce
heat and simmer for 15 minutes,then rinse them with cold water.
After decorating, you may give your egg a nice shine with a little vegetable oil and a soft cloth. Be sure to keep
in mind if you'd like to eat the eggs afterwards, they should not be out of the refrigerator for over two hours,
should not be cracked, and make sure what you are using to colour your eggs is nontoxic.
Natural Egg Dyes
There are two methods of dying with natural ingredients. In some cases, you will boil your egg with the dying
agent; for others, you will cook your egg first, then soak it in the dye. To achieve the best results, add 1 teaspoon of vinegar to your liquid when you add the eggs, and keep in mind the more of an ingredient you use,
the richer your colour will be. Dying your eggs naturally gives Ostara/Easter a nicer feeling "at least for me"!!
Here are some ingredients you can use to dye your eggs:
Red: Red onion skins- you will need quite a few. Boil these with your eggs for 1/2 to 1 hour.
Pink: Soak in the liquid from canned beets or cranberry juice, or boil with fresh beet, cut up rhubarb, or red
onionskins.
Orange: Yellow onion skins- Boil 2 cups worth for 1/2 hour, then add eggs and continue to boil until eggs are
cooked.
Pale Yellow: Boil with orange or lemon peels, carrots, celery seed, or ground cumin.
Deep Yellow: Boil with ground turmeric.
Pale Green: Boil with spinach leaves.
Blue: Soak in juice from canned blueberries, or boil with red cabbage leaves.
Lavender: Soak in purple grape juice.
Brown: Soak in coffee.
Tie Dye Eggs
Shave different colours of crayons while your eggs boil. Mix a few different colors together in a bowl and when
the eggs are cooked and still very hot, roll them in the bowl of crayon shavings. Make sure your egg is good
and dry before you try rolling it! This is lot's of fun and works a treat!
Page 42
Spring - 2006
Extra HomeFront Tricks
� Write on your egg with a white crayon before dying, and watch as your invisible drawing magically appears!
Coloured crayons also have a nice effect. I Loveee doing this, i always make really cute Ostara/Easter Eggs
with Runes on them.
� Wrap rubber bands around your egg before dying it.
� For marble eggs, add one tablespoon of oil to your dye, but don't put in any vinegar! Dip in multiple colours
for a neat effect.
� Rather than dying eggs, wrap colored tissue paper around wet eggs and allow to dry; the paper will fall off,
leaving the color behind. Or, you can simply use markers to decorate your eggs.
� Use small leaves from fresh or dried herbs like flat parsley, rue, thyme or fern. Press the leaves against
the egg and wrap securely with a section of old nylon stocking. Do this before putting in the dyebath. After
dyeing, rinse these eggs in clear water before unwrapping.The area under the leaves will have little or no dye
if done properly.
� Create designs with markers, stickers, paints. NOTE: Drawing designs with crayons won't work here as the
waxy crayons will melt off in the boiling process.
Page 43
Spring - 2006
A chart of what colour eggs go with what Runes
and Magick
Page 44
Spring - 2006
Print out and Colour
CONGRATULATIONS
Homefront would like to Congratulate the following families on their Pregnancies, Births
and Marraiges!
Births
Congratulations to R&S on the birth of their
Daughter Lily!
Patricia and Ronald on
the birth of their daughter Aryan Justice
Marriages
Congratulations to Tina and Mike
on their Marriage
Visit our website at http://homefrontpublications.org
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licenses/by/3.0/. The people on these photos and the photographers are not affiliated by any way or support Homefront or WAU
whatsoever. If you own any of these photos and despite the license you want to remove it from our magazine please send us a
note and we will remove it. You cannot sell this magazine, charge any money for access to it nor use any of its contents for commercial use or mass media diffusion.

Celebrating Ostara healthy bOdies NutritioN

Transcription

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